Membership: The Starting Point For Rotary’s Impact
By Eric Ombok
Rotary’s Impact starts with Rotarians, people like you who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change-across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
“I joined Rotary in 2005,’’ says District Membership Chair James Mwangi who has been a Rotarian for almost 19 years now. “I started my Rotary journey in Nairobi but later moved to Naivasha.’’
Two years after joining Rotary, James became president of his club, at the height of the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya. Responding to the aftermath of the political situation meant Rotarians hands we full in providing different forms of assistance to those in need.
“Between January 2008 to about April or thereabout were very intense and very rewarding. There was quite a lot to do amidst all the chaos. That was a time that Rotary really came through for the community,’’ James says.
If you would like to come through for your community everyday, join Rotary!
Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back. Through regular meetings and events, you get to discuss your community’s needs and develop creative ways to meet them.
Rotarians connect with other leaders who are changing the world, while expanding your leadership and professional skills. All this while still catching up with good friends and meeting new ones.
If you’re between the ages of 12 and 18, you may be interested in joining an Interact club, a service club for youth. If you’re a young professional, at least 18 years old, you may be interested in joining a Rotaract club. Like Rotary clubs, Rotaract and Interact clubs give their members the chance to make friends, develop leadership skills, and create positive change.
As a Rotarian, you have an opportunity to join Rotary Fellowships, which are international groups that share a common passion such as golfing, biking, camping, performing arts, entrepreneurship and anything else that you enjoy.
Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience. Some groups use their fellowship to make a positive difference.
You can also join a Rotary Action Group, which unites Rotarians, family members, program participants and alumni who share their expertise in particular fields by collaborating with clubs and districts on projects. They are independent, Rotary-affiliated groups made up of people from around the world who are experts in a particular field, such as economic development, peace, addiction prevention, the environment or water.
Action groups offer their technical expertise and support to help clubs plan and implement projects to increase our impact, one of Rotary’s strategic priorities. This support includes helping clubs find partners, funding, and other resources. Action groups can also help clubs and districts prepare grant applications, conduct community assessments, and develop plans to monitor and evaluate their projects. Only Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Rotary Peace Fellows can serve in leadership roles.
